Disaster Recovery Jobs Program Recruiting

ST. LOUIS, MO - The SLATE Missouri Job Center is continuing to recruit participants for its Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, an initiative designed to connect St. Louis residents to paid employment opportunities while supporting ongoing tornado recovery efforts across the city.

This initiative was made possible through a $1.5 million award from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) to support residents impacted by the devastating tornado that struck the St. Louis region on May 16, 2025.

The funding is part of a larger $4 million Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant awarded to MDHEWD by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide temporary employment and workforce training to individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or have been impacted by recent economic disruptions.

Participants in the program may earn up to $25 per hour while contributing to critical recovery projects, including debris removal, site cleanup, and rehabilitation efforts at impacted properties and community spaces. Current worksites include AmeriCorps St. Louis, Alpha & Omega Demolition, the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA), Golden Heights LLC, MKL Construction, NJW Construction Corp., Latter Glory Manor Apartments, Kossuth Church, and Veterans Elite Development and Construction, with additional worksites actively being identified.

"Through the Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, we are not only helping residents return to work, but also empowering them to play an active role in rebuilding their communities," said Connie L. Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE. "This initiative reflects SLATE's commitment to connecting people to meaningful employment while addressing urgent needs across the City of St. Louis."

Eligible individuals include dislocated workers, unemployed or underemployed residents, and those seeking to re-enter the workforce. The program is not limited to individuals directly impacted by the tornado.

In addition to paid work experience, participants receive a range of supportive services to ensure success, including job readiness training, career coaching, and assistance with employment-related requirements such as physicals, OSHA-10 certification, and necessary screenings.

While the program's scheduled information sessions will conclude next week, SLATE will continue enrolling participants on a rolling basis. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with the SLATE Missouri Job Center to learn more and begin the enrollment process.

For more information about the Disaster Recovery Jobs Program or to express interest, individuals are encouraged to complete the interest form at https://tinyurl.com/TornadoJobs.

SLATE is also inviting local businesses, contractors, and organizations engaged in tornado cleanup and recovery efforts to partner as worksites for the program. Through this partnership, employers can access a motivated workforce while contributing to the city's recovery.

Employers interested in participating are invited to contact SLATE at [email protected].